Copyrights Law in São Tomé and Príncipe
Certainly! Here’s an overview of copyright law in São Tomé and Príncipe:
Copyright Law in São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe, a Portuguese-speaking island nation in Central Africa, has its own legal framework for copyright protection, influenced by Portuguese law and international copyright treaties.
1. Legal Framework
São Tomé and Príncipe’s copyright law is established under national legislation that aligns with international standards.
The country is a member of international copyright agreements such as the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, ensuring international recognition of copyright.
2. Protected Works
Copyright protection covers:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Musical compositions
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs)
Cinematographic works
Dramatic works
Sound recordings and broadcasts
3. Rights of the Author
Economic rights: Control over reproduction, distribution, public performance, broadcasting, and adaptation of their works.
Moral rights: Right to attribution, integrity of the work, and to object to derogatory treatment that could harm the author’s reputation.
4. Duration of Copyright Protection
The general term is the lifetime of the author plus 70 years after death.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, protection lasts for 70 years from the date of publication.
Related rights (such as performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organizations) are generally protected for 50 years.
5. Limitations and Exceptions
Certain exceptions exist for:
Private use and personal study
Educational and scientific research purposes
Quotation and criticism
Use by libraries and archives under specified conditions
6. Enforcement and Sanctions
The law provides civil remedies such as damages and injunctions against infringers.
Criminal penalties can apply for willful infringement.
The judiciary enforces copyright claims.
7. International Relations
Being a party to the Berne Convention and other international agreements, São Tomé and Príncipe provides copyright protection both domestically and for foreign works.
The country cooperates in the enforcement of copyright through international frameworks.
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